Diatomaceous Earth for Poultry

[centrarchid]

Hi centrarchid,

Here is the link to the article on the Poultry Science website: http://ps.fass.org/content/90/7/1416.abstract

The abstract is available to the public however, you must go through the copyright clearance center to get full access to the published journal.

Thanks, now need another that is independent of first. Subject is too contintentious for results of a single study to be accepted.

 

[welasharon]

My completely unscientifically based real-life experience is that I wasted money on it. It didn't do diddly in preventing mites or lice. I think I probably would have come out the same using wood ashes and or sand. Some on here swear by it...some have lost a fair amount of their flocks counting on it. I am not a fan of it at all. Was, in fact, very disappointed. I try, when I can, to avoid unnecessary use of chemicals.

 

[moetrout]

I'm no scientist, but my redneck study says try it, if you like it use it, if you don't then don't use it. It has worked for me. I use it to keep the poo/wood chips dry. I don't dust my chickens with it. I've never had mites or lice. I am going on 3 years now with chickens.

Why does anyone need a study. I say decide for yourself. You have a brain right? For those of you that don't wait around long enough and maybe our wonderful government will tell you what you shoud do?

 

[dawg53]

Hi centrarchid,

Here is the link to the article on the Poultry Science website: http://ps.fass.org/content/90/7/1416.abstract

The abstract is available to the public however, you must go through the copyright clearance center to get full access to the published journal.

NOWHERE in that link does it state that any type of worm or mite was effectively eliminated at 100% by DE. One roundworm can lay thousands of eggs onto the soil to be picked up by your other chickens and start the worms lifecycle all over again.
DE kills by DEHYDRATING insects. It cant dehydrate anything if it's already wet, just like inside a chickens digestive tract.

 

[centrarchid]

I'm no scientist, but my redneck study says try it, if you like it use it, if you don't then don't use it. It has worked for me. I use it to keep the poo/wood chips dry. I don't dust my chickens with it. I've never had mites or lice. I am going on 3 years now with chickens.

Why does anyone need a study. I say decide for yourself. You have a brain right? For those of you that don't wait around long enough and maybe our wonderful government will tell you what you shoud do?

My concern is potential for "snake oil". Something can be touted as being effective but is not and is potentially worse than no treatment at all. Many medications have such in past. I always get wary when proponents of a product sell it and funded study that provides evidence it works.

If it does work, then I will jump all over the stuff since I use it daily in my filtration systems. If not then parasite management system known to work will be followed.

 

[centrarchid]

NOWHERE in that link does it state that any type of worm or mite was effectively eliminated at 100% by DE. One roundworm can lay thousands of eggs onto the soil to be picked up by your other chickens and start the worms lifecycle all over again.
DE kills by DEHYDRATING insects. It cant dehydrate anything if it's already wet, just like inside a chickens digestive tract.

I do not require 100% eradication of worms, simply reduction of their numbers to levels such that control cost less than altenative of reduced production. Paper did suggest treated birds produced better and exhibited better condition / weight but again that must be dupicated by someone else for me to trust.

 

[dawg53]

I do not require 100% eradication of worms, simply reduction of their numbers to levels such that control cost less than altenative of reduced production. Paper did suggest treated birds produced better and exhibited better condition / weight but again that must be dupicated by someone else for me to trust.

Then you also must know the damage that worms cause internally.

 

[centrarchid]

Then you also must know the damage that worms cause internally.

Yes, and I have birds (games) with tolerable although not zero burdens that can live to be 10 years of age in excellent productive health for breeding purposes. Problems when encountered involve birds with limited resistance or confinement over locations with high abundances of eggs in ingested material. Biggest problem is with confined birds which has a list of other problems I can usually avoid simply by moving pens about.

For me, treatment with pesticide is reserved for birds culled from breeding flock that are to be fattened up for butchering or show. Following treatment regimen, culled birds are kept under conditions where re-infection is unlikely.

I do not like to use typical dewormers for short-term concerns because they are hard on other critters in soil. Such treatments are last resort.

 

[Smiles-N-Sunshine]

I've read that the diatom skeletons in DE get pulverized by the stones in chicken gizzards. Just trying to stir the pot a little more

 

[kathyinmo]

I have used it in the past....... in the past. Never again.....